Domestic Situation Deteriorates in Venezuela as Caracas Calls American Strikes an Act of War - Grand Central Times - September 23th, 2024

[Capt Boyle]

Domestic Situation Deteriorates in Venezuela as Caracas Calls American Strikes an Act of War

 

The growing violence in Venezuela reached a new level yesterday as aircraft from the Venezuelan Air Force bombed several positions in the city of Valencia, killing several dozen. A spokesperson for the government said that the strikes were conducted against “armed insurrectionist groups who were attacking government troops”. Sources on the ground countered the claims, saying the targets were a first aid station and several gatherings of protestors. While the targets are disputed, the casualty count is confirmed to be at least 83 dead, 197 wounded, with the numbers expected to rise. The recent series of protests that began over a month ago has escalated several times, and analysts warn that the crisis is on the verge of descending into a full-blown civil war. Many fear this most recent attack will only push the possibility closer to reality.

 

A photo claiming to be from San Antonio, Venezuela, as the clashes escalate

 

Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the American retaliatory strikes on Venezuelan missile launchers, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro issued a statement that a “state of war now existed between the United States and Venezuela”. While claiming that the US was acting as “an imperialist power”, Maduro dismissed the US stance that it was responding to unprovoked aggression against its vessels. He went further to claim that any US aircraft or vessel detected within Venezuelan territorial waters or airspace will be attacked. Civilian flights have been cancelled to Venezuela, and maritime traffic is giving the Latin American nation a wide berth. The Pentagon confirmed that the US was moving the Arlington Amphibious Ready Group, consisting of two landing ships and several destroyers, into the region due to the increasing instability of the area and was ready to provide humanitarian aid. Additionally, rumors are swirling that the Organization of American States is considering recognizing the protest movement in Venezuela as the legitimate government. Brazilian sources reported that there was a push by both American and Brazilian representatives towards that goal, though both governments have neither confirmed nor denied that it is their official stance. 
 

Grand Central Times

Galen Erso